About Life in Japan

In spring, many flowers bloom in Japan. Cherry blossoms, plum blossoms, and peaches are particularly similar, and even some Japanese people have trouble telling them apart. However, there are actually clear differences between them. This time, we have put together an easy-to-understand summary of the characteristics and differences between these three flowers that represent spring in Japan. [1. Plum blossoms] Blooming period: Around February

Let's learn spring greetings and words of encouragement! In Japan, spring is said to be the "season of meetings and partings." March is graduation, and April is the time for new beginnings, such as entering school or starting a new job. This time, we will introduce some Japanese phrases that are commonly used in spring. Please try using them in conversation. [Congratulations on your graduation] This is a classic spring phrase.

In many countries, the new year begins in January. Also, many countries have school starts in September, so the Japanese "starting in April" seems a little strange to foreigners. So why does the new fiscal year start in April in Japan? [The accounting system began in the Meiji era] The current Japanese fiscal year (April to March of the following year) was decided in the Meiji era.

Japanese convenience stores are very convenient and friendly places. However, for those who have just started living in Japan, the question they are suddenly asked at the cash register can be a little confusing. In this article, we will introduce "that question" that is often asked at Japanese convenience stores and how to respond naturally and smartly. "Do you need a plastic bag?"

Colds and influenza have been prevalent in Japan recently. Many people living in Japan may have noticed that many people wear masks and wash their hands and gargle frequently. In fact, these habits are deeply connected to Japan's climate (climate and environment). [Climate and People's Lives Around the World] There are many different climates in the world.

In the winter in Japan, a heating item called a "disposable hand warmer" is often used. Just by opening the bag, it becomes warm, and it can be put in a pocket or attached to the body over clothing. [Did disposable hand warmers originate in Japan?] Disposable hand warmers are actually an item that was invented in Japan. They are now sold in Asian countries such as Korea and China,

January and February are the coldest months of the year in Japan. Some areas get a lot of snow, while others get less snow but have a cold wind. Many people may feel that winter in Japan is cold not just in temperature, but also in the way it feels. Today, we'll be introducing how Japanese people spend the cold season. [Inside Japanese homes, it's surprisingly cold.

Did you know that there are two New Year's holidays in Japan? One is the well-known New Year's Day on January 1st. The other is "Kosho-gatsu" (Little New Year). Kosho-gatsu falls around January 15th. It is not a big event these days, but it is an important part of Japanese culture, as it shows the way Japanese people live and think. [Taisho

In Japan, special greetings are exchanged at the beginning of the new year. These words are filled with relationships with people who are important to the Japanese, gratitude, and hopes for the future. This time, we will introduce some words that Japanese people often use at the New Year. [Happy New Year] This is the most common New Year greeting.

In Japan, there is a custom known as "hatsumode," which involves visiting a shrine at the start of the new year. Shrines are traditional Japanese "places of prayer," and many people visit to pray for happiness and good health for the year. Here, we will provide a simple introduction to how to enjoy hatsumode and the proper etiquette at shrines. [What is hatsumode?] Hatsumode is the first visit to a shrine after the new year.